[Ithaca Inspiredđ] Transform Your Environment into a Creative Hub
Taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound... did you know these five senses could be used to inspire your very own creative space? Find out how in this article!
All creators can agree that creativity is something we feel from within us. Fueled by the way we feel and how we think, creativity comes from our minds and hearts. But while the drive to be creative is internal, it can also be external. Whether it be colors, themes, layouts or dimensions - our environment is a powerful source of creative motivation, and that is why having a creative environment can help us bring our thoughts to life.Â
Intellectually challenging and personally designed, a creative environment is a place that has no cookie-cutter definition. In the way it feels, it is a place of positive energy and emotional, mental, and physical stability where you feel comfortable and encouraged. In the way it looks, it is a place of creative organization where you have resources and structure side by side with spontaneity and imagination. In the way it functions, it is a place that is entirely yours.Â
Psychology also shows the benefits of a creative environment through classical conditioning. This is a natural way to train your brain into associating your surroundings with a natural stimulus of creativity. By developing the habit of working in this space, your brain will consistently know the purpose of the place and will work to fuel your creative train of thought.Â
But what is the best way to create a creative environment? Letâs ask all your senses:Â
Sound
What you hear as you create can influence your creativity. Do you prefer the sound or the silence? The fast or the slow? The meditative or the musical? Here are some ideas to consider!
Working around others: Consider if the sound of others working and engaging motivates you.Â
Soundproofing: If itâs silence you prefer, try DIY soundproofing methods like laying down rugs, doubling surfaces, using weatherstripping tape, or putting down acoustic panels.
Personalized playlists: compile music that drives creativity: whether itâs calm lofi, movie-inspired theme songs, music in another language, something you can sing along to, or just instrumental. Personalize the playlist with an album cover and keep adding to it from time to time!
Smell
Whether it's the smell of lavender to get you relaxed, the aroma of eucalyptus oil to hype you up, or the gust of fresh air, different smells can evoke different feelings. Experiment with the following and see what suits you!
Scented candles
Incense diffuser Â
Open your windowsÂ
Sight:Â
Visualization plays a big part in bringing together your creative environment. This can range from finding a layout that fits your aesthetic to organizing things in a way that inspires focus and even finding a line between spaces of productivity and spaces of free-thinking and de-stressing. As you look around your to-be creative space, feel free to reorder, rearrange and rethink! Here are some ways to start:Â
Adjust the Lighting: Feel free to experiment with LED lights, a sunlight lamp, fairy lights, and even putting your space in direct natural light. Look for the color that inspires your creative mood.Â
Find Your Palette: Pick a color, a handful of colors, or all of the colors to edge out the theme of your creative space. Make sure to use tones that feel the most natural, the most inspiring, and the most you. A great way to begin is through mood boards!
Get Visual Inspiration: Decorate your space with pictures, posters, polaroids, and paintings. Itâs up to you whether you leave no room on the wall or take a minimalist approach to visual inspiration, but feel free to use motivational quotes, album covers, pictures of friends and family, and anything from your Pinterest board that feels right to add.Â
Stay Organized: Even if organized chaos is where you work best, find the balance where clutter and distraction donât take away from your creative element.
Taste:Â
Remember to fuel your body throughout the creative process!
Caffeine Fix: Whether itâs coffee, tea, or matcha, have a little caffeine station on hand to fuel your cravings and keep you going.Â
Snacks: Store granola bars, protein bars, almonds, dates, and other snacks nearby.Â
Stay Hydrated: Find that emotional support water bottle and keep drinking water throughout.
Touch:Â
The creative environment you create should be comfortable and calm. From fuzzy blankets and rugs to sleek table tops, look for the balance between textures to craft a very holistic space.Â
As you craft your creative environment, remember that the best physical environment is one that speaks to you mentally and emotionally. Reflect and be in touch with how you feel in that space and use that intuition to guide you. Suitable physical spaces bring good mental spaces!
More than just decoration and design, a creative environment is a place that embodies you, your self-awareness, and your growth. Whether you crave creative calm or creative chaos, this space is one where you are comfortable but not complacent, driven but not distracted, and accessible but not forced. Good luck!
By Sasha Zuberi
CC Content Writer
I am a Cornell junior from Pakistan, studying Government in the College of Arts and Sciences.
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